Dallas Police Warn of Violent Purse Attacks
By ELLEN GOLDBERG
Updated 11:34 AM CST, Tue, Nov 24, 2009
Dallas police say women should be on the lookout for purse thieves.
Police said purse-snatching picks up during the holiday shopping season, as women carry more cash and thieves get more desperate.
Dallas police said three women have been violently attacked for their purses within the past month. Investigators said they don't have any reason to believe these purse snatchings are connected but are considering the possibility.
All three victims were alone when they were attacked, including Ann Marsh.
“The police think they probably followed me," said Ann Marsh, 60, one of the victims. "They target more mature women, alone in their cars."
She was parking in her North Dallas garage when she noticed a man at her window, pointing a gun at her.
“It’s very frightening, very frightening,” Marsh said.
Police say purse snatchings are pre-meditated crimes.
“The suspects are oftentimes lurking in the shadows, waiting for someone to walk up to do their shopping or whatever,” Senior Cpl. Kevin Janse said.
On Nov. 11, two men knocked a woman to the ground in the parking lot of a medical clinic on Mockingbird Lane. The 76-year-old was left lying helpless on the sidewalk.
“This just shows that an offense like this can happen anywhere, at anytime,” Janse said.
Marsh said the robber stole more than her favorite Coach purse and the $5 in cash inside.
“I feel violated, I really do," she said. "It's traumatic.”
First Published: Nov 23, 2009 9:32 PM CST
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